Trump Approval Drops to Second-Term Low Amid Iran War

Voters now face higher energy prices and a Middle East conflict that most say was the wrong call. A New York Times/Siena poll conducted May 11-15 among 1,507 registered voters found President Trump’s approval rating at 37 percent, the lowest of his second term. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, including almost three-quarters of independents, said the decision to go to war with Iran was mistaken, and less than a quarter believed the conflict was worth the costs.

Gasoline prices have risen above $4.50 a gallon since operations began in late February, according to AAA data cited in the poll release. The share of voters rating the economy as poor climbed 11 points since January to nearly half. Sixty-four percent disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, while his approval on immigration remained steadier at 41 percent.

Republican voters largely back the military effort, with 70 percent favoring resumed operations if talks stall and 73 percent expecting success against Iran’s nuclear program. In contrast, 52 percent of all voters said Trump should not resume strikes without a deal, and 63 percent—including 27 percent of Republicans—said the president should not use force without congressional approval.

Democrats lead Republicans by 10 points in a hypothetical midterm ballot among registered voters. The party also shows an 18-point edge among independents. Democratic enthusiasm for voting runs eight points higher than Republican enthusiasm. Only 26 percent of voters expressed satisfaction with the Democratic Party overall.

Trump told reporters during the polling period that Americans’ financial situation did not factor into his thinking on the war. “I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Structural advantages from redistricting give Republicans a projected edge of six to 10 House seats regardless of the national mood.